Austen Famous Rodey

Austen somehow learned to draw smiley faces, but not from Mama or Dada (maybe art class?). Following this, Mama showed Austen how to write the letter 'A' using three strokes and Austen copied.

Austen also recognizes all numbers and half the letters...half the time.

She knows she's turning "3." She counts the number of items in a picture (i.e., five crabs) although her counting is sometimes fanciful.

Austen is extremely affectionate now. She's always giving hugs and kisses, especially when Mama isn't feeling great. Before naps and at bedtime and even when being dropped off for classes, Austen insist on getting a hug and kiss goodbye.

Playing the role of a knight, Austen's ready to duel.

Jack held his 3rd birthday party at Gymboree, one of Austen's favorite hang-outs. Most of Austen's friends were in attendance, making it even more enjoyable for the 'rents to watch them run around with each other.









More pics.

The swingset was installed and waiting for us to return home. Mama and Dada told Austen about a big surprise waiting for her as we approached the house. Austen's animated guesses included a big lollipop and a "videor" but she wasn't expecting what she saw as she exclaimed, "a tree house!?" Within 10 minutes, Austen had climbed, swang, scaled and played with almost all of the features.

Dada still needs to add sand for the sandbox and the cushioned surface - mulch, wood-chips or pea-gravel...TBD but doesn't see what all the big deal is with installing one of these sets.

Abby, Daisy and Auntie Janet joined Grandpa Earl and Dolly for our little crab fest. A bushel of small crabs goes a long way.






Following the food and play, we went for a quick dip in Uncle James' pool since you can never get enough pool time.


Obligatory cow picture.

Everyone enjoyed Kristine's slamin' 30th birthday pool party at her parents home. Lots of food, fun in the pool, swingset, kitties, toys and all the kids. It's amazing how practically all the farm kids are great swimmers, diving in and swimming under the water.